Episode: S05 E06, “Don’t You Know Now?”
Premiere date: 25 September 2025
Written by: Scott Andrews
CARRAWAY HOME
LIBERTY CITY, NEW YORK, 01948
Amelie Ashford looks at her reflection in the mirror of her vanity; she finishes applying her blush and eyeliner and even applies a subdued shade of red lip stain from Maybelline. She runs her right ring finger along the lines of her lips to ensure any smudging is removed, then smacks her lips at the perfection she’s just perfected. The morning sun kisses her skin as she slips on a lavender button-up silk blouse, matched with loose-fitting yet tailored white slacks, paired with a brown accent belt and matching brown heeled sandals, a look from the Ralph Lauren Spring–Summer 2025 collection.
Making her way downstairs and into the kitchen, where her husband, William Carraway, is already sitting at their kitchen island, sipping on a cup of coffee while overlooking some documents carrying the Carraco logo.
“Good morning,” she breaks the morning silence with her positive gesture, leaning over her husband and kissing him on the top of the head. Placing his coffee cup down, he responds, “Good morning. Coffee is still pretty hot if you’d like to pour yourself a cup.” Making her way to the counter, she grabs a muted blue mug and pours herself a cup of coffee.
“I didn’t hear you get up this morning.”
“Oh yeah, sorry about that,” he responds, taking an additional sip of his coffee. “I got up early, went for a run, and just decided to get a head start on going over the Oxford account. Did you sleep well?”
As she finishes preparing her coffee, she turns around and responds, “I slept fine. Was just expecting to wake up with you next to me, is all. I got a bit concerned something had happened.”
As Amelie joins William at the kitchen island, she herself begins to overlook her own paperwork. The silent moments of their morning fill the air, a usual occurrence in both their marriage and within their business mindsets. Since marrying in June of 2016, the pair have formed a tight yet unique bond that drives their mutual desire to take over the Carraco family business. William’s position in his family has always come second to his father’s eldest son, Mason, from his first marriage. Amelie, on the other hand, came from an upper-middle-class family; together, they formed a unique bond, which enabled them both to help each other grow and become the people they are today. However, in recent months, cracks have begun to be more prevalent, both in their marriage and in their business sense.
“So,” Amelie speaks, breaking the quieted air between her and William, in the hopes of opening a dialogue between the pair of them. “I’ve been thinking; if we want to beat Mason at his own game, we need to come up with a strategy that your father not only respects but also shows that your best interest is not only sustaining the company but also helping it grow into its next phase.”
William takes a deep breath, taking in the words his wife was speaking out loud. Does she have to do this? He asks himself. Amelie may be his wife, but he is a Carraway by blood, and Carraco has been his legacy since before he was born. The thought of his wife continuing to try and control the plan continues to not sit well with him, but to keep the peace in his marriage and home, he remains silent and swallows his own pride.
His immediate nonresponse leads Amelie to continue on with her thought process.
“We both know Mason is too old-school in thought and execution,” Amelie pressures. “He’ll stick to exactly what your father has done since your grandfather was in charge of the company, and it will be too comfortable for him. We need to think outside of the box and show him that there are other options out there, and they can be just as successful, if not more so.”
Taking another sip of coffee, William ends his own silence, “Mason is going to do what Mason does, and that’s play to his own benefit. And I will do the same. I will pay to my benefit.”
“But what if your benefit does not get you the end result you want?”
“And what if it does?”
Amelie purses her lips at William’s unwillingness to entertain her idea.
“I know you think I am being overbearing,” she softens. “But I just want to see you, my husband, shine. And I want to be right there with you when you take your rightful place as your father’s successor.”
The pressure builds between them, with William feeling an immediate fury coming over him. In an attempt to not boil over, he responds, “I understand, but I won’t play the same games that Mason has played. I’m going to earn it on my own accord, on my own terms, and in my own way. And I hope, at the end of the day, you will support me in the choices I do end up making. And I expect that, as my wife and partner.”
As William grabs his paperwork, he exits the kitchen, making his way to the front door. Sitting at the kitchen island, Amelie ponders her husband’s words, wondering if she may be in over her head.
THE MICHAELS’ HOME
LIBERTY CITY, NEW YORK, 01948
Inside of the family home breathes a sense of warmth and welcome, matched by the morning sun beaming into the dining room window, where Sophie Michaels and Jamie Spencer are seated at the dining room table. There, the two sisters shuffle placemats and table decorations into different settings, as they remain silent with each other.
“Here we go,” a female voice echoes from off the dining room, in the kitchen. Shirley Lane walks into the dining room, holding a tray with four teacups and a teapot. As she places the tray onto the table, Sophie smiles and remarks, “Mom, this looks amazing.”
“Oh snap, I forgot the sandwiches.”
“Don’t worry,” interjects Monica, following behind her mother, “I have them!” “Oh, thank you, my darling.”
As the Lane ladies sit down together at the dining room table, they each begin to pour themselves their cups of tea and mix their own with additives, from sugar to milk, lemon and honey, and all of the other fixings. Looking at each other, the amount of heartache and unspoken regret fills the quiet air between them.
“I think we really need to think about what we are doing,” Sophie breaks the silence after taking a sip of her tea. “It is clear Sarah was not receptive to what we had to say.”
“Of course she wasn’t,” Monica sneered, her voice laced with sarcasm. “We all kind of blindsided her, and I just walked into that situation, and I felt it. You cannot tell me you didn’t feel it, too?”
“Oh no, we did,” Sophie responded. Interjecting, Jamie playfully responds, “We were just hoping it would fall back predominately on you.”
“Ha ha,” Monica mocks at her sisters. “That’s enough,” Shirley sternly sets her daughters straight. “Nothing about this is a laughing matter. Your brother’s future is not a laughing matter.”
Sophie, Jamie, and Monica knew better than to question or counter-respond to their mother.
“I’m sorry, mom,” Monica apologises. “We’re all sorry. We did not mean to make this a laughing matter.” “No, we didn’t,” Jamie says in agreement, reaching her hand out to Shirley in comfort.
“What are we going to do?” Sophie questions out loud.
“I do not know,” Shirley responds gingerly. “We made our position known to Sarah, so she surely will not be blinded when I go to court and request Thomas’ medical proxy.”
Sophie, Jamie, and Monica felt the shift within the room change at their mother’s words. Words they were hoping would not have to come to fruition. “Are you sure that’s wise?” Monica questioned. “I mean, maybe Sarah will come around, eventually?”
Just then, the door bells rings; with each of their heads moving towards the front door, Jamie gestures for her family to remain seated, as she gets up to answer the door, while responding to Monica’s question, “I highly doubt Sarah will be coming around, at all. She is resilient, and that will not change on a moment’s notice.”
Opening the door, Jamie’s face turns to immediate shock, as if having seen a ghost. “Oh my God,” she expresses after seeing who is at the front door.
“Hi Mom,” the unknown female voice greets. “Surprised to see me?”
“Jessica,” Jamie responds in a surprising tone, embracing her daughter in an immediate hug. “I wasn’t expecting you. When did this happen? How?”
“Well, it happened in the past day or two, and I hopped on the first plane I could, and now I’m here. Surprise.”
Welcoming her daughter into the home, she closes the door and opens her arm towards the dining room where everyone else has remained. Walking together, Jamie introduces, “Everyone, look who’s here!” “Jessica, my darling,” Shirley greets her eldest grandchild. “What are you doing here?”
Embracing her grandmother and acknowledging her aunts, Jessica explains, “Well, I heard about what’s going on with uncle Thomas, and felt it best I be here. So, I spoke to the gallery I’ve been working for and was able to get a few days off so I could fly out and figure this out for myself.”
“I’m sorry,” Jamie interjects. “But how did you find out about your uncle?”
“It doesn’t matter how. What matters is that I know, and I’m wondering what it is you four are planning. Blindsiding Sarah with plans to take legal action to secure Thomas’ medical proxy, and thinking it’s okay to do. Who gave the three of you that right, because I surely know Monica wasn’t a part of it? And furthermore, mom, what made you think you couldn’t tell me what was going on, or just how bad things had gotten?”
“Well, you’re living halfway around the world, and I know you’re very busy,” Jamie responds, taking Jessica’s hands into hers. “And until we were certain of everything, we didn’t feel it was right uprooting you from Italy to Liberty City on the off-chance something might happen.”
“It doesn’t excuse it.”
“No, you’re right,” Sophie interrupts, shifting the conversation. “It wasn’t fair on you, and we’re sorry. We all are. But what matters is that you’re here now, and we couldn’t be happier that you’re here for as long as we have you. You’ve been very missed.”
“So, how did Sarah react? I take it that it did not go well, since the four of you are here having tea time.” “She was not receptive,” Monica responds, trying to get a word in edgewise.
“We were hoping to give her a little bit of time before reproaching the subject again,” Shirley confirms before Jessica responds. “No. Time won’t work. If she didn’t receive the news well the first time, it’s highly likely she won’t receive it well the second, third, or any subsequent time later.”
Looking at each other in the face, Jessica opens, “I’ll talk to her. Maybe a neutral party can help make sense of what’s going on, but first, I need to hear it from everyone’s point of view here. So, let’s talk, shall we? Time is clearly of the essence, and I don’t have time to waste.”
Sitting with her aunts, grandmother, and mother, Jessica begins to hear of what’s happened during her absence and their plans regarding Thomas and his medical proxy.
LIBERTY CITY HOTEL
LIBERTY CITY, NEW YORK, 01948
Sitting at the table in her hotel room, Jodi Bradshaw scrolls through emails and headlines on her iPad while also looking over various physical papers spread onto the desk. Notably present are articles pertaining to Carraco’s relocation to Liberty City, as well as the current events of the Bradshaw Corporation, her family’s company. Engrossed in the several news articles attracting her attention, her phone rings, almost jumping her out of her trance. Looking at her phone, she notices the phone number is semi-familiar.
Picking up the phone, she greets, “Hello?” “Jodi Bradshaw,” a vaguely familiar female voice responds. “Speaking?” “Ms. Bradshaw, this is Grace Carraway; you came in and interviewed with us several days ago.” Taken aback by the response, Jodi composes herself to respond, “Oh yes, Mrs Carraway, I’m thrilled to receive your phone call… I’m hoping?”
“Why yes,” Grace responds. “You should be thrilled. Ms. Bradshaw, after much consideration, I would be happy to personally extend an invitation to join Carraco as the Head of Marketing.” Letting out the subtlest of sighs of relief, Jodi lets out a subtle smile before responding, “Oh, that’s wonderful, Ms. Carraway. I’d love to accept the position.” “Perfect. I am hoping you could come into the office tomorrow and meet with our HR personnel and get started on all of the paperwork so we can proceed.”
A knock is heard at the door, startling and surprising Jodi, who is not expecting any kind of room service or housekeeping. “Ms. Bradshaw, are you there?” Grace questions, alarmed by the sudden silence. “Oh yes, I am here. Yes, tomorrow should be perfect,” Jodi responds, as if rushing off the phone call, without alarming Grace of the knock on her hotel door. “Perfect, we shall see you tomorrow.” “Yes, thank you so much.” “And Ms. Bradshaw, welcome aboard!” Disconnecting from the call, Jodi places her phone face down on top of her paperwork, and makes her way to the door and opens it.
“Can I help you?” Jodi enquires. “Yes. I was just welcoming you to the hotel and hoping your stay is above board,” the female responds. “Yes, it is. I’m sorry, but who are you?” “Oh, mind my manners, I’m Jennifer. Jennifer Hughes, the owner of this hotel.”
Startled with the thought of the hotel’s owner standing in front of her, Jodi’s face shows a slight questioning before extending an invitation into the room, “Oh, Mrs. Hughes, I am so sorry. Please, come on in.” “Thank you,” Jennifer responds. “But please, call me Ms. Hughes. Mrs. is my mother. And I make it a point to not emulate my mother.”
“My apologies, Ms. Hughes. “I didn’t mean anything by it,” Jodi apologises. “And to answer your question, the hotel room is nice. Very nice. I’ve been enjoying my stay so far.” Taking a quick glance around the room and taking in Jodi’s personalised surroundings, she enquires, “I couldn’t help but notice your stay is extended.” “Yes, I am in town on business, and it looks like that business is going to be permanent.” “Oh, how wonderful! And are you far from home?”
Squinting her eyes in curiosity, Jodi approaches, “Ms. Hughes, do you often make it your priority to introduce yourself to your guests?” Pursing her lips at Jodi’s words, Jennifer coyly responds, “No, but what can I say? Hospitality is a lost art form. Not to mention, we are presently undergoing renovations and some other changes, and I wanted to be sure they didn’t interrupt the comfort your stay at the Liberty City Hotel should provide for you.” “Yes, I couldn’t help but notice a bit of construction, which I thankfully have not heard, and then the ‘new management soon’ sign that is displayed. I hope all is alright.”
“
All is fine,” Jennifer assures Jodi. “Just some changes with ownership. It’s nothing to concern yourself about. I assure you the hotel remains committed to providing the highest of standards for hospitality. And that remains strong for the remainder of your stay here, however long that may be.”
“Well, I am quite thankful for that. “I apologise, Ms. Hughes, but I am quite tired, and I was about to take a bath and slip in for a nap before you showed up,” Jodi comments. “Of course, I apologise. If you do need anything, please do not hesitate to ask.” “I won’t, I promise. Thank you again.”
As Jennifer exits the hotel room, Jodi ponders momentarily, remembering what Jennifer had just told her. Turning, she returns to her iPad and swiftly produces an internet search concerning the ownership of the hotel; the results show the IPO of its present owner, Johnson Industries.
New ownership? Jodi pauses, pondering what this could mean and how this could benefit her in her new position, thankful Jennifer was likely unaware of what she could have possibly just set into motion.
LIBERTY CITY APARTMENTS
LIBERTY CITY, NEW YORK, 01948
Peering out of the window of his penthouse window, which overlooks the inner city life of Liberty City, David Roberts takes a sip from his coffee, which exhales a steady breath of steam from within the white cup. Continuing to peer out of his window, he felt something positive about the day; however, he was unsure of where this positivity would ultimately come from. Suddenly, the doorbell is rung, shaking him from his feelings. “Cecily, could you get that?” he calls out to his housekeeper, who does not answer. As the bell continues to ring, David shakes his head and rolls his eyes, slamming his cup onto the buffet short of shattering it, and storms his way to the front door of the penthouse. “What’s the point of having help if they can’t help you?” he forcefully murmurs to himself out loud as he opens the door.
“The help? Is that any way to call those who help you?” Donna sharply responds, much to David’s dismay. “Donna,” he greets with a subtle shake in his voice at the idea of being overheard in his complaint. “I didn’t realise that…” “You didn’t realise I could hear you and called you out on your ignorance?” Donna interjects. “Sorry to disappoint you, David, but I am no longer afraid to call your bullshit out to you.” Taken aback as Donna makes her way into his penthouse, he remarks, “Of course you’re not. That much is clear. And yes, come on in.” “Thank you. Don’t mind if I do. This won’t be a long visit.”
“Why are you here?” David coyly questions with the most subtle hint of snark. Unimpressed with her ex’s attempt at humour, Donna responds, “Here,” as she pulls out a manila envelope from underneath her arm. “I’m here to deliver this.” Hesitantly taking the envelope, David responds, “What is this? Restraining order?” “Ha, very funny. No, it’s the last of the alimony paperwork.”
Shocked by the words, David’s head pops up immediately with an enquiring look upon his face. “I know, I had that same reaction,” Donna assures him. But it’s done and over with. We are no longer tied to each other, thankfully.”
“Yes, well, thank you for this,” David responds in an unknowing way. “I truly appreciate this.”
“You’re thanking me and appreciating this? Who are you, and what have you done with David Roberts?”
“Don’t get used to it,” David assures her. “This is a one-off situation. I want to be sure your tie-breaking moment is one you can remember. Anyway, I am sure you’ve got plenty to do with your day, so you’re free to leave.”
“There he is,” Donna responds as she begins to walk out. Intrigued, David questions, “There who is?” “The cold-blooded, cutthroat bastard I divorced.”
Chuckling at Donna’s response, David remarks, “Yeah. Here I am.” As Donna makes her way towards the front door, David follows her before questioning, “Donna? When did I become the ‘cold-blooded bastard’ you divorced?”
Taking a deep breath in and releasing, Donna slowly walks towards Donna as she responds, “It was definitely before we were married, as if you always were him. And as time went on, things slowly became more apparent. You became colder, especially when you’d leave on your business trips, which I always felt would end. But they never did. It just took me a while to come to terms with who you naturally are, David. So, accept It, because surely, there is no changing who you are at the core.”
Turning back to the door, she exits the penthouse, leaving David standing there to lament on the gut-punching truth from Donna’s own mouth.
Guest starring: Marci Miller (as Jessica Smithson)